TODAY your South Wales Argus publishes the full list of names of everyone who has signed our petition to Keep City Parking Free.

We launched the petition in November after Newport council announced it was to axe free parking in the city centre in February.

Traders had hailed the scheme, introduced in 2010, as a lifeline in tough economic times and shoppers have threatened to simply go elsewhere if charges are reintroduced.

A total of 5,345 people gave their support urging Newport City Council to reverse its decision to scrap free parking in its city centre car parks and the petition will be handed in to the council next week.

But despite the huge backing for our campaign, the council is still pushing through its plans before even seeing the petition.

Sue Williams, who runs the Elbow Room hairdressers in Austin Friars and has worked in the city centre for 33 years, said: “The council have to look at this petition and see how upset people are.

“We don’t need benches and flowers in the city centre that they have been spending money on. We are all struggling with our rates and rents and we need to keep people coming into the city centre.”

Newport Council published a public notice on page 32 of Thursday’s Argus stating that “On February 1, 2013, Newport City Council… intends to vary the charges for car parking in the following car parks.”

It went on to detail the introduction of a £1 charge for the first three hours parking in all council run car parks.

The council accepts the scheme has brought more people in to the city centre but have described it as “unsustainable.”

Cabinet member for infrastructure Ken Critchley said: “Free parking costs the council almost £1 million a year which is no longer sustainable at a time when central budgets are facing significant cuts and we face a funding gap next year of £8 million.

“To continue to offer free parking would adversely impact on other services such as street cleaning, waste collection and road repairs.”

Two hours' free parking at the Kingsway car park, which is not run by the city council, remains in place.

ARGUS COMMENT: Voice of the people

TODAY we show the considerable support our Keep City Parking Free campaign has gathered in just over six weeks by publishing all the names of those who signed our petition.

These are the voices of 5,345 people who are concerned at the plans to get rid of free parking in Newport council's city centre car parks next month.

The decision to get rid of free parking and introduce a £1 charge for three hours was taken with no public consultation and little interaction with traders.

But now you have had a chance to have your voice heard and the message is clear, thousands want free parking to stay.

Not everyone has supported our campaign, and that is fair enough, but you can’t ignore those who have taken part.

Thanks to all the readers and traders who helped gather signatures for our campaign.

Our intention is to hand our petition and all your signatures and comments to Newport City Council next week.

And we would expect the man behind the parking decision, cabinet member for infrastructure Ken Critchley, to accept this petition on behalf of all our readers so he can gauge the strength of feeling before the axe finally falls.

Comments (33)

If I had been approached by someone in town with a clip board telling me they were campaigning to save the town centre by having a petition to the Council for free parking, I would most probably have signed, if that person had gone on to explain that the Council only wanted to charge £1 for three hours parking I would have asked what was the point of the petition and if that person had then gone on to explain that if the Council gave free parking they would have to save £800k plus from other services........I would have walked away.

If I had been approached by someone in town with a clip board telling me they were campaigning to save the town centre by having a petition to the Council for free parking, I would most probably have signed, if that person had gone on to explain that the Council only wanted to charge £1 for three hours parking I would have asked what was the point of the petition and if that person had then gone on to explain that if the Council gave free parking they would have to save £800k plus from other services........I would have walked away.Howie'

As is your right, and as we acknowledge in our comment above.
But the council will not save £800k from ending free parking at its car parks.
Any 'saving' will be minimal, particularly as its largest car park - the Cambrian - has now closed.

As is your right, and as we acknowledge in our comment above.
But the council will not save £800k from ending free parking at its car parks.
Any 'saving' will be minimal, particularly as its largest car park - the Cambrian - has now closed.Kevin Ward - Editor

Out of all those who signed the petition . . . How many actually shop in Newport ??? I know alot of people who shop in Cwmbran and Cardiff that have signed the petition - so why sign the petition i ask if you dont shop here??

Out of all those who signed the petition . . . How many actually shop in Newport ??? I know alot of people who shop in Cwmbran and Cardiff that have signed the petition - so why sign the petition i ask if you dont shop here??kalwales@hotmail.com

I know what. All the people that have signed the petition & the South Wales Argus pay to subsidies the car parking. It works out at about £300 each. You can pay by installments

The list is silly anyway it includes lots from Cwmbran who will hardly ever shop in Newport & places like Bristol & Cornwall

I know what. All the people that have signed the petition & the South Wales Argus pay to subsidies the car parking. It works out at about £300 each. You can pay by installments
The list is silly anyway it includes lots from Cwmbran who will hardly ever shop in Newport & places like Bristol & CornwallBobevans

I know what. All the people that have signed the petition & the South Wales Argus pay to subsidies the car parking. It works out at about £300 each. You can pay by installments

The list is silly anyway it includes lots from Cwmbran who will hardly ever shop in Newport & places like Bristol & Cornwall

I know what. All the people that have signed the petition & the South Wales Argus pay to subsidies the car parking. It works out at about £300 each. You can pay by installments
The list is silly anyway it includes lots from Cwmbran who will hardly ever shop in Newport & places like Bristol & CornwallBobevans

I know what. All the people that have signed the petition & the South Wales Argus pay to subsidies the car parking. It works out at about £300 each. You can pay by installments

The list is silly anyway it includes lots from Cwmbran who will hardly ever shop in Newport & places like Bristol & Cornwall

I know what. All the people that have signed the petition & the South Wales Argus pay to subsidies the car parking. It works out at about £300 each. You can pay by installments
The list is silly anyway it includes lots from Cwmbran who will hardly ever shop in Newport & places like Bristol & CornwallBobevans

Bobevans wrote:
I know what. All the people that have signed the petition &amp; the South Wales Argus pay to subsidies the car parking. It works out at about £300 each. You can pay by installments

The list is silly anyway it includes lots from Cwmbran who will hardly ever shop in Newport &amp; places like Bristol &amp; Cornwall

You can say that again.

[quote][p][bold]Bobevans[/bold] wrote:
I know what. All the people that have signed the petition & the South Wales Argus pay to subsidies the car parking. It works out at about £300 each. You can pay by installments
The list is silly anyway it includes lots from Cwmbran who will hardly ever shop in Newport & places like Bristol & Cornwall[/p][/quote]You can say that again.ncfcr

Bobevans wrote:
I know what. All the people that have signed the petition &amp; the South Wales Argus pay to subsidies the car parking. It works out at about £300 each. You can pay by installments

The list is silly anyway it includes lots from Cwmbran who will hardly ever shop in Newport &amp; places like Bristol &amp; Cornwall

Firstly, we got your message the first time. There is no need to post multiple times....

Secondly, don't be so stupid. If the people signing want parking to be free they will hardly pay £300?

[quote][p][bold]Bobevans[/bold] wrote:
I know what. All the people that have signed the petition & the South Wales Argus pay to subsidies the car parking. It works out at about £300 each. You can pay by installments
The list is silly anyway it includes lots from Cwmbran who will hardly ever shop in Newport & places like Bristol & Cornwall[/p][/quote]Firstly, we got your message the first time. There is no need to post multiple times....
Secondly, don't be so stupid. If the people signing want parking to be free they will hardly pay £300?Jinxey

Bobevans wrote:
I know what. All the people that have signed the petition &amp; the South Wales Argus pay to subsidies the car parking. It works out at about £300 each. You can pay by installments

The list is silly anyway it includes lots from Cwmbran who will hardly ever shop in Newport &amp; places like Bristol &amp; Cornwall

Firstly, we got your message the first time. There is no need to post multiple times....

Secondly, don't be so stupid. If the people signing want parking to be free they will hardly pay £300?

I would be interested how the Argus presented the question:

"would you like something for free?" answer "yes".

"Would you like something for free if it will potentially lead to 40 people losing their jobs at NCC?" answer "mmmmmm possibly not"

"Would you be happy to pay a pound for three hours parking or drive to the Kingsway car park for two hours free parking?"

"Do you actually drive in to Newport, take the bus or walk?" answer "?"

I think the lack of clarity from the Argus undermines its own argument.

Quoting shop owners who sell products that do not compete with the major brands and are just looking for others to blame for their falling sales also undermines the argument. They have a vested interest in knocking the council.

Internet shopping and out of town store is killing high street trade every where. Adapt to survive or go under.

[quote][p][bold]Jinxey[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Bobevans[/bold] wrote:
I know what. All the people that have signed the petition & the South Wales Argus pay to subsidies the car parking. It works out at about £300 each. You can pay by installments
The list is silly anyway it includes lots from Cwmbran who will hardly ever shop in Newport & places like Bristol & Cornwall[/p][/quote]Firstly, we got your message the first time. There is no need to post multiple times....
Secondly, don't be so stupid. If the people signing want parking to be free they will hardly pay £300?[/p][/quote]I would be interested how the Argus presented the question:
"would you like something for free?" answer "yes".
"Would you like something for free if it will potentially lead to 40 people losing their jobs at NCC?" answer "mmmmmm possibly not"
"Would you be happy to pay a pound for three hours parking or drive to the Kingsway car park for two hours free parking?"
"Do you actually drive in to Newport, take the bus or walk?" answer "?"
I think the lack of clarity from the Argus undermines its own argument.
Quoting shop owners who sell products that do not compete with the major brands and are just looking for others to blame for their falling sales also undermines the argument. They have a vested interest in knocking the council.
Internet shopping and out of town store is killing high street trade every where. Adapt to survive or go under.Exile Elmo

I have worked in the centre of Newport for 7 years and have just been relocated to another office so no longer will I travel to the town (city?). In the last 7 years I've seen the very big change that is apparent to all. For years local shopkeepers have commented on the demise of the town and this is often reported in the Argus. This is merely an observation - none of the names of people I know to work in High St, Skinner St or Dock St are on the list. I wonder why that is? Anyone know?

I have worked in the centre of Newport for 7 years and have just been relocated to another office so no longer will I travel to the town (city?). In the last 7 years I've seen the very big change that is apparent to all. For years local shopkeepers have commented on the demise of the town and this is often reported in the Argus. This is merely an observation - none of the names of people I know to work in High St, Skinner St or Dock St are on the list. I wonder why that is? Anyone know?Rugby Warrior Paulo

Bobevans wrote:
I know what. All the people that have signed the petition &amp; the South Wales Argus pay to subsidies the car parking. It works out at about £300 each. You can pay by installments

The list is silly anyway it includes lots from Cwmbran who will hardly ever shop in Newport &amp; places like Bristol &amp; Cornwall

Firstly, we got your message the first time. There is no need to post multiple times....

Secondly, don't be so stupid. If the people signing want parking to be free they will hardly pay £300?

I would be interested how the Argus presented the question:

&quot;would you like something for free?" answer "yes".

"Would you like something for free if it will potentially lead to 40 people losing their jobs at NCC?" answer "mmmmmm possibly not"

"Would you be happy to pay a pound for three hours parking or drive to the Kingsway car park for two hours free parking?"

"Do you actually drive in to Newport, take the bus or walk?" answer "?"

I think the lack of clarity from the Argus undermines its own argument.

Quoting shop owners who sell products that do not compete with the major brands and are just looking for others to blame for their falling sales also undermines the argument. They have a vested interest in knocking the council.

Internet shopping and out of town store is killing high street trade every where. Adapt to survive or go under.

would i care if 40 people lost their job at NCC?? no not realy, they do **** all as it is anyway.
would i be happy to pay £1 for 3 hours parking, possibly bu8t NOT WHEN I AM WORKING IN THE CITY CENTER (BTW i did sign the petition)
do i drive or take the bus? i drive due to the 5p per bag charge now.
as for you quoting shop owners i doubt you even know what you are talking about, us shop owners cant compete with major brands so we have to try and make/sell things that look/taste better and with Cambrian carpark now closed i am loosing £100 a day (aprox)

another thing, if it was COSTING almost £1 million a year then WHAT THE HELL WAS IT GOING ON?? Cambrian carpark was falling apart, was leaking everywhere and wasn't maintained at all (only thing there that was costing them was the traffic lights there and the ticket machines), also if KingWays carpark is not owned by the council then why is it when you go into the council it says on the tv screen you can park in any council run car parkls for free and lists them, KingsWay is on there.

[quote][p][bold]Exile Elmo[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Jinxey[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Bobevans[/bold] wrote:
I know what. All the people that have signed the petition & the South Wales Argus pay to subsidies the car parking. It works out at about £300 each. You can pay by installments
The list is silly anyway it includes lots from Cwmbran who will hardly ever shop in Newport & places like Bristol & Cornwall[/p][/quote]Firstly, we got your message the first time. There is no need to post multiple times....
Secondly, don't be so stupid. If the people signing want parking to be free they will hardly pay £300?[/p][/quote]I would be interested how the Argus presented the question:
"would you like something for free?" answer "yes".
"Would you like something for free if it will potentially lead to 40 people losing their jobs at NCC?" answer "mmmmmm possibly not"
"Would you be happy to pay a pound for three hours parking or drive to the Kingsway car park for two hours free parking?"
"Do you actually drive in to Newport, take the bus or walk?" answer "?"
I think the lack of clarity from the Argus undermines its own argument.
Quoting shop owners who sell products that do not compete with the major brands and are just looking for others to blame for their falling sales also undermines the argument. They have a vested interest in knocking the council.
Internet shopping and out of town store is killing high street trade every where. Adapt to survive or go under.[/p][/quote]would i care if 40 people lost their job at NCC?? no not realy, they do **** all as it is anyway.
would i be happy to pay £1 for 3 hours parking, possibly bu8t NOT WHEN I AM WORKING IN THE CITY CENTER (BTW i did sign the petition)
do i drive or take the bus? i drive due to the 5p per bag charge now.
as for you quoting shop owners i doubt you even know what you are talking about, us shop owners cant compete with major brands so we have to try and make/sell things that look/taste better and with Cambrian carpark now closed i am loosing £100 a day (aprox)
another thing, if it was COSTING almost £1 million a year then WHAT THE HELL WAS IT GOING ON?? Cambrian carpark was falling apart, was leaking everywhere and wasn't maintained at all (only thing there that was costing them was the traffic lights there and the ticket machines), also if KingWays carpark is not owned by the council then why is it when you go into the council it says on the tv screen you can park in any council run car parkls for free and lists them, KingsWay is on there.Mike0408

1million pound a year to run a run down car park yes I can see that i suspect the council will have a head of parking on 100k a year his wife will probably be deputy head of parking on 80k a year and there daughter will be part time on 40 k a year throw in a couple of assistants. How on earth did that cheap crap trash train station cost 22 million to build !!!

1million pound a year to run a run down car park yes I can see that i suspect the council will have a head of parking on 100k a year his wife will probably be deputy head of parking on 80k a year and there daughter will be part time on 40 k a year throw in a couple of assistants. How on earth did that cheap crap trash train station cost 22 million to build !!!scraptheWAG

Well not done Argus, you ve probably lost the other 145,000 population of newport as readers and potential purchasers of your paper due to your totally one eyed stance, filling all those pages in today's copy was the nail in the coffin for me as a purchaser. I ll be using the money saved on your paper to pay for parking. And I am Newport through and through and the city will prosper again, unlike the Argus...

Well not done Argus, you ve probably lost the other 145,000 population of newport as readers and potential purchasers of your paper due to your totally one eyed stance, filling all those pages in today's copy was the nail in the coffin for me as a purchaser. I ll be using the money saved on your paper to pay for parking. And I am Newport through and through and the city will prosper again, unlike the Argus...FillA

I have two business premises, neither in Newport, as many years ago I looked at setting up over many locations and at that time I thought Newport was overpriced on rent, well overpriced on Business Rates, and the parking was an issue then. Council Officials are working for the Council for a reason - they have no business sense and would survive 10 minutes in the business world. Newport town has died, M&S closing etc. More will close, this will mean a massive drop in business rates income, people will not want to come to Newport as no shops, so will go to Cwmbran or Cardiff. This will mean that income from parking will then decrease to add to the business rates income reduction. Newport Council - Run by narrow minded pen pushers and a place that I thank god that I never brought my two business outlet's to !!! Newport Council YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED AT WHAT YOU HAVE DESTROYED.

I have two business premises, neither in Newport, as many years ago I looked at setting up over many locations and at that time I thought Newport was overpriced on rent, well overpriced on Business Rates, and the parking was an issue then. Council Officials are working for the Council for a reason - they have no business sense and would survive 10 minutes in the business world. Newport town has died, M&S closing etc. More will close, this will mean a massive drop in business rates income, people will not want to come to Newport as no shops, so will go to Cwmbran or Cardiff. This will mean that income from parking will then decrease to add to the business rates income reduction. Newport Council - Run by narrow minded pen pushers and a place that I thank god that I never brought my two business outlet's to !!! Newport Council YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED AT WHAT YOU HAVE DESTROYED.David_Hammond

Newport Council don't receive the business rates. They go to the WAG who distribute them to local authorities using some sort of formula. Doesn't really detract from your point but just to get it right.

Newport Council don't receive the business rates. They go to the WAG who distribute them to local authorities using some sort of formula. Doesn't really detract from your point but just to get it right.D Taylor

Bobevans wrote:
I know what. All the people that have signed the petition &amp; the South Wales Argus pay to subsidies the car parking. It works out at about £300 each. You can pay by installments

The list is silly anyway it includes lots from Cwmbran who will hardly ever shop in Newport &amp; places like Bristol &amp; Cornwall

Firstly, we got your message the first time. There is no need to post multiple times....

Secondly, don't be so stupid. If the people signing want parking to be free they will hardly pay £300?

I would be interested how the Argus presented the question:

&quot;would you like something for free?" answer "yes".

"Would you like something for free if it will potentially lead to 40 people losing their jobs at NCC?" answer "mmmmmm possibly not"

"Would you be happy to pay a pound for three hours parking or drive to the Kingsway car park for two hours free parking?"

"Do you actually drive in to Newport, take the bus or walk?" answer "?"

I think the lack of clarity from the Argus undermines its own argument.

Quoting shop owners who sell products that do not compete with the major brands and are just looking for others to blame for their falling sales also undermines the argument. They have a vested interest in knocking the council.

Internet shopping and out of town store is killing high street trade every where. Adapt to survive or go under.

would i care if 40 people lost their job at NCC?? no not realy, they do **** all as it is anyway.
would i be happy to pay £1 for 3 hours parking, possibly bu8t NOT WHEN I AM WORKING IN THE CITY CENTER (BTW i did sign the petition)
do i drive or take the bus? i drive due to the 5p per bag charge now.
as for you quoting shop owners i doubt you even know what you are talking about, us shop owners cant compete with major brands so we have to try and make/sell things that look/taste better and with Cambrian carpark now closed i am loosing £100 a day (aprox)

another thing, if it was COSTING almost £1 million a year then WHAT THE HELL WAS IT GOING ON?? Cambrian carpark was falling apart, was leaking everywhere and wasn't maintained at all (only thing there that was costing them was the traffic lights there and the ticket machines), also if KingWays carpark is not owned by the council then why is it when you go into the council it says on the tv screen you can park in any council run car parkls for free and lists them, KingsWay is on there.

I see that you are losing money now that the Cambrian Car Park is closed. I tried hard on here to get people to understand that the loss of car parking spaces was more important than whether they were free or not. But no-one took any notice of me. Certainly not this newspaper who kept barking up the wrong tree. They should have been campaigning to replace the lost car parking spaces. It's the shortage of car parks which is going to keep people out of Newport not the measly quid they are being asked to pay. But there is no accounting for the stupidity of people I'm afraid. And they do make me angry.

The Kingsway MS is cetainly not owned or run by the Council. This is from their website :-

[quote][p][bold]Mike0408[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Exile Elmo[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Jinxey[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Bobevans[/bold] wrote:
I know what. All the people that have signed the petition & the South Wales Argus pay to subsidies the car parking. It works out at about £300 each. You can pay by installments
The list is silly anyway it includes lots from Cwmbran who will hardly ever shop in Newport & places like Bristol & Cornwall[/p][/quote]Firstly, we got your message the first time. There is no need to post multiple times....
Secondly, don't be so stupid. If the people signing want parking to be free they will hardly pay £300?[/p][/quote]I would be interested how the Argus presented the question:
"would you like something for free?" answer "yes".
"Would you like something for free if it will potentially lead to 40 people losing their jobs at NCC?" answer "mmmmmm possibly not"
"Would you be happy to pay a pound for three hours parking or drive to the Kingsway car park for two hours free parking?"
"Do you actually drive in to Newport, take the bus or walk?" answer "?"
I think the lack of clarity from the Argus undermines its own argument.
Quoting shop owners who sell products that do not compete with the major brands and are just looking for others to blame for their falling sales also undermines the argument. They have a vested interest in knocking the council.
Internet shopping and out of town store is killing high street trade every where. Adapt to survive or go under.[/p][/quote]would i care if 40 people lost their job at NCC?? no not realy, they do **** all as it is anyway.
would i be happy to pay £1 for 3 hours parking, possibly bu8t NOT WHEN I AM WORKING IN THE CITY CENTER (BTW i did sign the petition)
do i drive or take the bus? i drive due to the 5p per bag charge now.
as for you quoting shop owners i doubt you even know what you are talking about, us shop owners cant compete with major brands so we have to try and make/sell things that look/taste better and with Cambrian carpark now closed i am loosing £100 a day (aprox)
another thing, if it was COSTING almost £1 million a year then WHAT THE HELL WAS IT GOING ON?? Cambrian carpark was falling apart, was leaking everywhere and wasn't maintained at all (only thing there that was costing them was the traffic lights there and the ticket machines), also if KingWays carpark is not owned by the council then why is it when you go into the council it says on the tv screen you can park in any council run car parkls for free and lists them, KingsWay is on there.[/p][/quote]I see that you are losing money now that the Cambrian Car Park is closed. I tried hard on here to get people to understand that the loss of car parking spaces was more important than whether they were free or not. But no-one took any notice of me. Certainly not this newspaper who kept barking up the wrong tree. They should have been campaigning to replace the lost car parking spaces. It's the shortage of car parks which is going to keep people out of Newport not the measly quid they are being asked to pay. But there is no accounting for the stupidity of people I'm afraid. And they do make me angry.
The Kingsway MS is cetainly not owned or run by the Council. This is from their website :-
Privately owned car parks
• National Car Parks (NCP) manage a number of car parks across Newport city centre (opens new website)
• Kingsway car parkD Taylor

Kevin Ward - Editor wrote:
As is your right, and as we acknowledge in our comment above.
But the council will not save £800k from ending free parking at its car parks.
Any 'saving' will be minimal, particularly as its largest car park - the Cambrian - has now closed.

I qonder if these 5,00 or so people support Newport High Street, we don't get to know thatinformation. Sadly there are two types of people who sign petitions, those who will do it to get rid of you, and others who sign anything.

Since the UK needs 100,000 in the political arena or have it all dumped in a bin, is it relevant ? The issue is still shops, variety, or, the lack of them both.

[quote][p][bold]Kevin Ward - Editor[/bold] wrote:
As is your right, and as we acknowledge in our comment above.
But the council will not save £800k from ending free parking at its car parks.
Any 'saving' will be minimal, particularly as its largest car park - the Cambrian - has now closed.[/p][/quote]I qonder if these 5,00 or so people support Newport High Street, we don't get to know thatinformation. Sadly there are two types of people who sign petitions, those who will do it to get rid of you, and others who sign anything.
Since the UK needs 100,000 in the political arena or have it all dumped in a bin, is it relevant ? The issue is still shops, variety, or, the lack of them both.Mervyn James

kalwales@hotmail.com wrote:
Out of all those who signed the petition . . . How many actually shop in Newport ??? I know alot of people who shop in Cwmbran and Cardiff that have signed the petition - so why sign the petition i ask if you dont shop here??

Are these the same people who signed the spurious petition outside Newport library to give control of the Dragons to Newport I ask?

[quote][p][bold]kalwales@hotmail.com[/bold] wrote:
Out of all those who signed the petition . . . How many actually shop in Newport ??? I know alot of people who shop in Cwmbran and Cardiff that have signed the petition - so why sign the petition i ask if you dont shop here??[/p][/quote]Are these the same people who signed the spurious petition outside Newport library to give control of the Dragons to Newport I ask?Dai the Milk

David_Hammond wrote:
I have two business premises, neither in Newport, as many years ago I looked at setting up over many locations and at that time I thought Newport was overpriced on rent, well overpriced on Business Rates, and the parking was an issue then. Council Officials are working for the Council for a reason - they have no business sense and would survive 10 minutes in the business world. Newport town has died, M&amp;S closing etc. More will close, this will mean a massive drop in business rates income, people will not want to come to Newport as no shops, so will go to Cwmbran or Cardiff. This will mean that income from parking will then decrease to add to the business rates income reduction. Newport Council - Run by narrow minded pen pushers and a place that I thank god that I never brought my two business outlet's to !!! Newport Council YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED AT WHAT YOU HAVE DESTROYED.

http://www.politics.
co.uk/reference/busi
ness-rates

I don't think NCC can be blamed for something set by Central Government

NCC can't set the rents for properties they don't own and I believe much of High St and Commercial St is privately owned.

Times are hard and shoppers are looking at the bottom line. The private business owners of Newport will never complete with big business. The world and attitudes to shopping have completely changed over the last thirty years. Personally I hate big business, but it isn't going to back to the good old days. Newport needs to compete in niche markets that big business doesn't see a profitable. Or be completely knocked down and rebuilt.

Unfortunately Newport was expanded for an industry that doesn't exist anymore, but the people do. What money do they have to spend in the city centre on extra quality.

Back to the point. What was actually asked on this petition?

[quote][p][bold]David_Hammond[/bold] wrote:
I have two business premises, neither in Newport, as many years ago I looked at setting up over many locations and at that time I thought Newport was overpriced on rent, well overpriced on Business Rates, and the parking was an issue then. Council Officials are working for the Council for a reason - they have no business sense and would survive 10 minutes in the business world. Newport town has died, M&S closing etc. More will close, this will mean a massive drop in business rates income, people will not want to come to Newport as no shops, so will go to Cwmbran or Cardiff. This will mean that income from parking will then decrease to add to the business rates income reduction. Newport Council - Run by narrow minded pen pushers and a place that I thank god that I never brought my two business outlet's to !!! Newport Council YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED AT WHAT YOU HAVE DESTROYED.[/p][/quote]http://www.politics.
co.uk/reference/busi
ness-rates
I don't think NCC can be blamed for something set by Central Government
NCC can't set the rents for properties they don't own and I believe much of High St and Commercial St is privately owned.
Times are hard and shoppers are looking at the bottom line. The private business owners of Newport will never complete with big business. The world and attitudes to shopping have completely changed over the last thirty years. Personally I hate big business, but it isn't going to back to the good old days. Newport needs to compete in niche markets that big business doesn't see a profitable. Or be completely knocked down and rebuilt.
Unfortunately Newport was expanded for an industry that doesn't exist anymore, but the people do. What money do they have to spend in the city centre on extra quality.
Back to the point. What was actually asked on this petition?Exile Elmo

Again another company that hasn't moved with the times. Cds and DVD's.. I'm sorry but they youth of today use online streaming.. The older generation go to tesco or order it on line from Amazon or Play (if they are still going now).

[quote][p][bold]Bobevans[/bold] wrote:
Looks pretty certain HMV are calling in the receivers tomorrow[/p][/quote]Again another company that hasn't moved with the times. Cds and DVD's.. I'm sorry but they youth of today use online streaming.. The older generation go to tesco or order it on line from Amazon or Play (if they are still going now).Exile Elmo

Bobevans wrote:
I know what. All the people that have signed the petition &amp; the South Wales Argus pay to subsidies the car parking. It works out at about £300 each. You can pay by installments

The list is silly anyway it includes lots from Cwmbran who will hardly ever shop in Newport &amp; places like Bristol &amp; Cornwall

No matter how many times you tell us Bob it's all down to the maths, actually Bobby Boy at £300 each it works out at £1.6million+ not that anyone of those 5,345 signatory's would pay that because they have signed up for FREE parking........You did read the story did you not? Good.....then do try to keep up.

[quote][p][bold]Bobevans[/bold] wrote:
I know what. All the people that have signed the petition & the South Wales Argus pay to subsidies the car parking. It works out at about £300 each. You can pay by installments
The list is silly anyway it includes lots from Cwmbran who will hardly ever shop in Newport & places like Bristol & Cornwall[/p][/quote]No matter how many times you tell us Bob it's all down to the maths, actually Bobby Boy at £300 each it works out at £1.6million+ not that anyone of those 5,345 signatory's would pay that because they have signed up for FREE parking........You did read the story did you not? Good.....then do try to keep up.Howie'

Bobevans wrote:
I know what. All the people that have signed the petition &amp; the South Wales Argus pay to subsidies the car parking. It works out at about £300 each. You can pay by installments

The list is silly anyway it includes lots from Cwmbran who will hardly ever shop in Newport &amp; places like Bristol &amp; Cornwall

Firstly, we got your message the first time. There is no need to post multiple times....

Secondly, don't be so stupid. If the people signing want parking to be free they will hardly pay £300?

I would be interested how the Argus presented the question:

&quot;would you like something for free?" answer "yes".

"Would you like something for free if it will potentially lead to 40 people losing their jobs at NCC?" answer "mmmmmm possibly not"

"Would you be happy to pay a pound for three hours parking or drive to the Kingsway car park for two hours free parking?"

"Do you actually drive in to Newport, take the bus or walk?" answer "?"

I think the lack of clarity from the Argus undermines its own argument.

Quoting shop owners who sell products that do not compete with the major brands and are just looking for others to blame for their falling sales also undermines the argument. They have a vested interest in knocking the council.

Internet shopping and out of town store is killing high street trade every where. Adapt to survive or go under.

would i care if 40 people lost their job at NCC?? no not realy, they do **** all as it is anyway.
would i be happy to pay £1 for 3 hours parking, possibly bu8t NOT WHEN I AM WORKING IN THE CITY CENTER (BTW i did sign the petition)
do i drive or take the bus? i drive due to the 5p per bag charge now.
as for you quoting shop owners i doubt you even know what you are talking about, us shop owners cant compete with major brands so we have to try and make/sell things that look/taste better and with Cambrian carpark now closed i am loosing £100 a day (aprox)

another thing, if it was COSTING almost £1 million a year then WHAT THE HELL WAS IT GOING ON?? Cambrian carpark was falling apart, was leaking everywhere and wasn't maintained at all (only thing there that was costing them was the traffic lights there and the ticket machines), also if KingWays carpark is not owned by the council then why is it when you go into the council it says on the tv screen you can park in any council run car parkls for free and lists them, KingsWay is on there.

'would i care if 40 people lost their job at NCC?? no not realy, they do **** all as it is anyway'.

I think you just lost a lot of sympathy there, you don't care about others losing their employment but everyone is supposed to be sympathetic to your plight! Everyone cares about their jobs or businesses whatever sector you come from.

The 5p bag charge was brought in by the Welsh Government not NCC.

The Kingsway car park is run by NCP.

[quote][p][bold]Mike0408[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Exile Elmo[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Jinxey[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Bobevans[/bold] wrote:
I know what. All the people that have signed the petition & the South Wales Argus pay to subsidies the car parking. It works out at about £300 each. You can pay by installments
The list is silly anyway it includes lots from Cwmbran who will hardly ever shop in Newport & places like Bristol & Cornwall[/p][/quote]Firstly, we got your message the first time. There is no need to post multiple times....
Secondly, don't be so stupid. If the people signing want parking to be free they will hardly pay £300?[/p][/quote]I would be interested how the Argus presented the question:
"would you like something for free?" answer "yes".
"Would you like something for free if it will potentially lead to 40 people losing their jobs at NCC?" answer "mmmmmm possibly not"
"Would you be happy to pay a pound for three hours parking or drive to the Kingsway car park for two hours free parking?"
"Do you actually drive in to Newport, take the bus or walk?" answer "?"
I think the lack of clarity from the Argus undermines its own argument.
Quoting shop owners who sell products that do not compete with the major brands and are just looking for others to blame for their falling sales also undermines the argument. They have a vested interest in knocking the council.
Internet shopping and out of town store is killing high street trade every where. Adapt to survive or go under.[/p][/quote]would i care if 40 people lost their job at NCC?? no not realy, they do **** all as it is anyway.
would i be happy to pay £1 for 3 hours parking, possibly bu8t NOT WHEN I AM WORKING IN THE CITY CENTER (BTW i did sign the petition)
do i drive or take the bus? i drive due to the 5p per bag charge now.
as for you quoting shop owners i doubt you even know what you are talking about, us shop owners cant compete with major brands so we have to try and make/sell things that look/taste better and with Cambrian carpark now closed i am loosing £100 a day (aprox)
another thing, if it was COSTING almost £1 million a year then WHAT THE HELL WAS IT GOING ON?? Cambrian carpark was falling apart, was leaking everywhere and wasn't maintained at all (only thing there that was costing them was the traffic lights there and the ticket machines), also if KingWays carpark is not owned by the council then why is it when you go into the council it says on the tv screen you can park in any council run car parkls for free and lists them, KingsWay is on there.[/p][/quote]'would i care if 40 people lost their job at NCC?? no not realy, they do **** all as it is anyway'.
I think you just lost a lot of sympathy there, you don't care about others losing their employment but everyone is supposed to be sympathetic to your plight! Everyone cares about their jobs or businesses whatever sector you come from.
The 5p bag charge was brought in by the Welsh Government not NCC.
The Kingsway car park is run by NCP.Howie'

I don't care if there was free parking in Newport. Firstly it's a dirty run down place with hardly any shops open.

I would rather pay £5 to park in Cwmbran. The parking is central to the shops and the shopping centre has more to offer in a compact area.

If I wanted a real shopping experience, I would catch a bus to Cardiff and make a day of it.

I don't care if there was free parking in Newport. Firstly it's a dirty run down place with hardly any shops open.
I would rather pay £5 to park in Cwmbran. The parking is central to the shops and the shopping centre has more to offer in a compact area.
If I wanted a real shopping experience, I would catch a bus to Cardiff and make a day of it.Dolieboy